cordial 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkȯr-jəl How to pronounce cordial (audio)
Definition of cordialnext
1
as in warm
having or showing kindly feeling and sincere interest a cordial inquiry about her mother's health

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gracious
showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations a cordial hostess who makes sure everyone is comfortable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind he insisted that a cordial nip of brandy would be just the thing for someone suffering from shock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cordial

2 of 2

noun

as in tonic

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cordial different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cordial are affable, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When could affable be used to replace cordial?

The synonyms affable and cordial are sometimes interchangeable, but affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When is genial a more appropriate choice than cordial?

In some situations, the words genial and cordial are roughly equivalent. However, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

In what contexts can gracious take the place of cordial?

The words gracious and cordial can be used in similar contexts, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

When is it sensible to use sociable instead of cordial?

While the synonyms sociable and cordial are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cordial
Adjective
James, the team source said, was cordial and polite with Harris but did nothing to tip his hand about his intentions. — David Aldridge, New York Times, 25 July 2026 The companies have appeared less cordial, however, after OpenAI last year announced its plans to enter the hardware industry. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 13 July 2026
Noun
The cocktails here are a study in balance; the harsh edges of spirits are expertly rounded down by cordials, fruit wines, and other ferments (all of which are made in-house) without sacrificing complexity. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 June 2025 And because Leonessa takes cues from Italy, expect a rotating menu of complimentary aperitivo-style snacks and a cocktail list full of spritzes, bitters, martinis, plus plenty of amari, vermouth, and cordials. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
  1. warm
  2. gracious
  3. refreshing
  4. tonic
  5. friendly
  6. hospitable
  7. drug
  8. medicine
Adjective
  • The service Service here is warm and deeply personal rather than stiff or overly formal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Velvet filter softens the overall contrast and wraps the scene in a warmer, vintage-like tone that makes the blues and purples feel richer.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • Ask for clarity while staying gracious and fully present in the exchange.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Iwanaga, gracious in defeat, expressed happiness and a desire to learn from the experience.
    — Zach Schenfisch, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • If Menorca were instead described as a refreshing gazpacho, this 18th-century rural estate converted into a luxury hotel would be the perfectly satisfying last spoonful.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The best wine for tailgating is often a crisp, dry rosé because of its versatility, refreshing acidity and ability to pair with a wide range of football season’s favorite finger foods.
    — Katie Kelly Bell, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Noun
  • At the time, a representative for Botanic Tonics, the company behind Feel Free, told USA TODAY its Feel Free Classic tonic contains only natural leaf kratom, with nearly undetectable levels of 7-OH.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But al fresco dining is also available for breakfast and lunch guests, as is the beloved frozen gin and tonic and other day-time beverages Monday through Saturday.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of tonic
Adjective
  • Keeley is all optimism in the buildup to the team’s first game — merely a friendly against Hayes and Yeading, but important nonetheless — but subsequent events threaten to squelch those good feelings.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Blumenfield said the site takes pressure off neighborhoods and keeps construction out of high-risk fire zones, targeting a walkable, pedestrian-friendly area.
    — Hunter Sowards, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of friendly
Adjective
  • All this makes for tough ground to defend, and a climate that’s all too hospitable to reactionary explanation.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The planes, for example, will cool their heels in the desert of Arizona, where the weather is more hospitable to their corrosion-prone bodies.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of hospitable
Noun
  • Moderna's mRNA vaccine — used in combination with Merck's cancer immunotherapy drug Keytruda — is built from a patient's own tumor, which has its own genetic sequence, so each dose is personalized.
    — Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The duration of Kyrgios’ ban will depend in part on whether he is found to have deliberately taken the drug, and in part on whether the incident happened before the tournament started.
    — James Hansen, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of drug
Noun
  • My father had left academic medicine to open a solo surgical practice, and billing meant someone had to sit in front of a typewriter and create claims one by one.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Still, charismatic leaders who have pushed for dollarization have failed to date, suggesting that the patient may not want the money doctor’s medicine.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of medicine

Browse Nearby Words

corded
cordial
cordiality
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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cordial

Nglish: Translation of cordial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cordial

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